Vega Counselling

As far back as I can remember I always had a special connection with animals. Dogs, cats, birds, lizards, ants, butterflies, I always felt safe and noticed by them. I believe it was partly due to my curiosity and enthusiasm towards them a mutual understanding and communication usually happened. Not surprisingly, when I grew up my passion turned into a career in biodiversity and wildlife management.

I travelled extensively and lived among giant tortoises and tame island birds. Along the way, my work turned more and more towards the concerns and challenges of local communities. I found myself supporting, advising and developing people’s skills as part of my role. And I loved it! My fascination with philosophy and psychology strengthened my knowledge and capacity to offer help. This extended to managing a large number of staff on a corporate position and developing with them their personal and professional plans.

I really empathised with people’s dilemmas and issues and it came naturally to me to promote their autonomy and encourage their interests and aspirations. At the same time and due to a particularly difficult personal challenge, I entered the world of therapy and I have never looked back since. My passion officially migrated from wildlife to human life. The easy, immediate connection I often experience with animals translated itself to my encounters with people with its added richness, complexity and depth.

I let go of my former career and retrained as an Integrative counsellor. I developed skills and experience working with adults recovering from substance misuse; young people and families with complex needs and supporting young adults return to work or education.

I have my own private practice where I offer creative and dog assisted counselling. I bring much enthusiasm and my gentle curiosity in supporting clients to make the positive changes they would like in their lives. I love the work I do and the changes clients go through; it provides me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment and not surprisingly, I often come out of a session feeling uplifted and energised. I hope my clients do too.

Ultimately, it is all about our working relationship whether we "click" so I would encourage anyone looking for a counsellor to meet a few of us until you find the one that feels right and works for you.